How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for accurately evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We suggest focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair provider with comprehensive experience fixing all types of foundations. It should have expertise in the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company consistently provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has valid licenses, bonding, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. The government of Illinois does not have any state-level general contractor licensing requirements; you'll need to verify local requirements with your city or municipal government. You can determine if a company's business registration is in good standing on the Secretary of State's website. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Look for a provider that offers transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its repair work. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues arise in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What foundation defects did you identify during inspection that could be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers an unclear answer, it may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- What options do you have for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely provide durable, high-quality repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.